By Katherine Paterson and John Paterson
Illustrated by John Rocco
Out now!
Review copy from my library
I was not sure I would enjoy this one, as anyone who knows me knows that my tolerance for fairies (or pixies or brownies) is minimal.
This is a charmer, however. From the moment the story first begins, in the Stone Age, I was transfixed.
I do love how the story remains constantly intelligent: there are words in the story I needed to look up.
"So the message was sent, the charades were acted, and the cold collation eaten." (271)
This is a story that does not "talk down" to to children, and in fact, forces them to ponder such things as whether or not it is wise to consider the Point of View of someone else, the value of a hot-water bottle (made in Germany), and what could make a simple, kind person decide to make it their mission in life to be in charge of everything and every one. The tale reminded me very much of Alice in Wonderland, or Bedknobs and Broomsticks-stories for children that were smart and important enough for adults to read as well. I predict major awards are in this book's future.
My only complaint, and it is very minor, is that I wished for more illustrations! They seemed very few and far between. The bits that are in there are very special and lovely.
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